Fort Monroe National Monument
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Tell Trailie your dates, pace, and interests — get a day-by-day Fort Monroe National Monument plan with hikes, drives, and must-see stops.
Fort Monroe at a glance
- Best time
- March–May, October–November
- Trip length
- 1–2 days
- Don't miss
- Commemorate the First African Landing
- Nearby city
- Gateway towns in VA
Explore this park
About Fort Monroe National Monument
Fort Monroe's story spans from prehistory to the 2000s. Kecoughtan Indians occupied Old Point Comfort before the arrival of English colonists. The first enslaved Africans arrived in 1619. Those escaping slavery sought their freedom at the fort during the Civil War. The fort remained bastion of national defense until 2011, when it became a national park.
Weather Information
- Spring
Temperatures range from 40 F to 70 F with rain being common.
- Summer
Temperatures range from 75 F to 100 F with rain and sun equally common.
- Fall
Temperatures usually range from 40 F to 65 F.
- Winter
Temperatures range from 40 F to 50 F on average with snow being uncommon.
On very sunny days, be prepared with plenty of water. Hurricanes are more likely to threaten the are at this time of year. If planning a visit during this time, please be mindful of the storm activity.
Operating Hours
Fort Monroe National Monument is open year-round for outdoor activities like walking and exploring the historic grounds. Residents occupy many of the buildings. Respect their privacy by not peering into windows or opening gates.
- Monday5:00AM - 11:59PM
- Tuesday5:00AM - 11:59PM
- Wednesday5:00AM - 11:59PM
- Thursday5:00AM - 11:59PM
- Friday5:00AM - 11:59PM
- Saturday5:00AM - 11:59PM
- Sunday5:00AM - 11:59PM
Beaches
The beaches at Fort Monroe are open to the public all year from sunrise to sunset. Only the first two coves at Outlook Beach have Life guards. Please use caution when entering the water. September 16 - May 14: Dogs allowed on the beach with 6 foot leash May 15 - September 15: Dogs not allowed on the beach
- MondaySunrise to Sunset
- TuesdaySunrise to Sunset
- WednesdaySunrise to Sunset
- ThursdaySunrise to Sunset
- FridaySunrise to Sunset
- SaturdaySunrise to Sunset
- SundaySunrise to Sunset
Common questions
Planning Fort Monroe National Monument
The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics — check Alerts for live updates.
Reservation rules vary by season and activity for Fort Monroe. See Overview on this page for fees, timed entry, and campground details before you travel.
